In this episode of Dopenly Honest, Zavian sits down with Micah, a man whose journey into recovery began at an age most wouldn't believe: fifteen years old. This episode dives deep into the daily "spiritual maintenance" required to keep 19 years of sobriety intact. Specifically, how an attitude of gratitude is key, a reminder that having "normie" problems is a blessing, and why, if we saw everyone else’s struggles, we’d quickly grab our own back.

Matt gets real about what recovery actually looks like. It's not just putting down the bottle, it's showing up every day and making what he calls "living amends," actively choosing to be considerate, helpful, and accountable rather than simply saying "I'm sorry." He credits a strong sponsor, a structured daily routine, and a genuine relationship with a higher power as the pillars that have made long-term sobriety possible.

In this soul-baring episode of Dopenly Honest, we sit down with Micah and Kyla Fitzgerald to discuss the raw reality of addiction, the role trauma plays in substance abuse, and the "God-incidences" that led them to a life of sobriety. This isn't just a conversation about putting down the bottle or the pipe; it’s a deep dive into the spiritual architecture of addiction.

In this episode of Dopenly Honest, host Zavian Banta sits down with his long-time friend and brother-in-recovery, ToJo Brooks, for a conversation that is as raw as it is refined. ToJo doesn’t just share a "sobriety story"—he deconstructs the psychological architecture of addiction and offers a Masterclass in Acceptance. 

From the railroad tracks of Kentucky to the high-stakes world of Florida’s drug scene, ToJo reflects on the "actor’s mask" he wore for decades. He reveals the moment his world shifted: facing a Stage 3 prostate cancer diagnosis while in the grips of an even more lethal disease—active addiction.

In this solo episode of Dopenly Honest: Breaking the Chains of Addiction, Zavian gets into something every addict in recovery must face: learning how to cope with life when difficulties show up. The old ways of handling fear and trauma can seem "normal", but approaching worry and fear while rooted in faith, fellowship, and recovery is what it takes to go next level. 

In this powerful episode of Dopenly Honest, Zavian sits down with Brooke Johnson who has been in recovery for nine years and is living proof that it is never too late to start over.

Brooke’s story doesn’t hold back.

Born into addiction, raised between chaos and her grandparents’ stability, Brooke started using at just 13 years old, sometimes with her own family.

In this powerful episode of Dopenly Honest, Zavian sits down with Andre Quincy—a man whose life and recovery have impacted countless people in our community. 

This conversation is about more than “putting the drugs down.” Andre talks about what it really means to recover: working the steps, showing up for family, serving others, staying consistent, and learning how to live life on life’s terms. From taking meetings into the jail, to rebuilding trust, to staying clean through loss. Andre’s story is a living example that long-term recovery is possible. 

As we move into the New Year, Zavian takes time to look back on how far this podcast & has recovery journey have come. What started as a thought became a platform, and now six episodes in, we’re going strong, but also just getting started.

In this episode of Dopenly Honest, host Zavian Dre sits down with Lindsey Wood for a real, down-to-earth conversation about addiction, recovery, and motherhood.  

Lindsey opens up about growing up in chaos; where addiction, incarceration, and instability were part of everyday life and how such early experiences shaped the path she would later walk herself. What started as a way to cope and belong slowly turned into addiction, leading to jail time, the loss of custody of her children, and years spent carrying heavy guilt and shame while trying to get sober.

Today, Lindsey works in the recovery field, supporting individuals and families as they rebuild trust, reunite with loved ones, and start again. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing happens through connection.

In this deeply personal milestone episode of Dopenly Honest, host Zavian Dre steps out from behind the mic to share the unfiltered story of how he achieved two years of sobriety. From the early days when even 30 minutes without using felt impossible, to receiving his Black Key Tag at his home group, Zavian brings listeners into the heart of what “no matter what” recovery really looks like.

If you’re still struggling, if you’re trying to find your way out, or if you love someone who’s battling addiction, this episode is for you. Zavian’s story is a reminder that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take that first step.

In the 3rd episode of Dopenly Honest, host Zavian Dre sits down with fellow Kentuckian Matthew 'Fig' Nelson for a moving conversation about what it takes to find recovery. 

With raw honesty, Fig shares how his individual battles with addiction tore his life and relationships apart, and how finding peace within himself became the foundation for his healing.

In the 2nd episode of Dopenly Honest, host Zavian Dre sits down with fellow Kentuckians and married couple Kody and Whitney Dickenson for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about love, faith, and recovery. With six and seven years of sobriety under their belts, the Dickensons share how their individual battles with opiate addiction once tore their lives apart, and how working together became the foundation for their healing. 

In this episode, Zavian interviews fellow recovering addict Daniel Botula.  Daniel shares his experience, strength, and hope in his recovery journey.  He's been in recovery for 3.5 years.

Welcome to Dopenly Honest, a bold new podcast from Kentucky that’s breaking the silence around addiction and recovery. Hosted by Zavian Dre, this podcast shares real stories of resilience and healing from people who made it out and found their way back to life.